Cargo tie-down rail

ABSTRACT

An elongated unitary tie-down rail adapted to fit on the inside of a pickup box, delivery truck or trailer comprised of an elongated vertical flange and an elongated horizontal flange. The horizontal flange terminates in a rounded rub rail and contains a plurality of holes for the attachment of tie-down hooks and straps. The rounded rub rail may be hollow to allow for the connection of multiple cargo tie-down rails through use of a connecting device such as a roll pin.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of Provisional PatentApplication Serial No. 60/220,453 filed Jul. 24, 2000.

BACKGROUND

[0002] 1. Field of Invention

[0003] This invention relates to a cargo tie-down rail for the insidelip of a pickup box sidewall.

[0004] 2. Description of Prior Art

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 4,850,769 to James R. Matthews (Jul. 25, 1989)discloses a tie-down device with a movable car slidably carried on astationary track. Such a device has several inherent disadvantages. Thenumber of movable cars limits the number of tie-down points availablefor use in securing cargo. The movable cars must be relocated for everycargo to provide the proper location for tying down cargo. Thestationary track is susceptible to damage that can prevent the properlocation of the movable cars.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,650,382 to Harold G. Johnson (Mar. 17, 1987)describes a unitary tie-down rail with a plurality of longitudinal slotsfor tying down cargo that mounts on top of the sidewall of a pickuptruck. This device is inferior for such a mounting is inherently weakerdue to the torque applied to the top of the sidewall from loads. Thelongitudinal slots are also less secure for the mounting of cargo as themounting hooks or straps may slide up and down the slot. This devicealso interferes with the use of truck topper or cap.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,364,211 to Gary J. Lund (Nov. 15, 1994) disclosesa side rail anchor bar that can be mounted on the top or the outside ofthe sidewall of the pickup. This device utilizes tie-down fingers whichextend beyond the normal exterior of the pickup truck. As such thesefingers are susceptible to damage. This device also interferes with theuse of a truck topper or cap.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 4,850,770 to Henry E. Millar, Jr (Sep. 27, 1988)discloses a side rail tiedown anchor comprising a clamp securable to theupper edge or side rail of a pickup truck box side wall or the like. Ahook providing for the securing of a tie-down rope extends from theclamp. This device is not permanently attached, and the anchors need tobe repositioned for use with different cargos.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,302,064 to Jim B. Davis (Apr. 12, 1994) disclosesa cargo tie-down that is permanently attached to the bed of a pickuptruck. This device actually uses up space in the box that could normallybe used for cargo and interferes with the normal use of the pickup box.This device also provides relatively few anchor points and its use islimited to thin, flat or narrow articles.

[0010] None of the above noted patents, taken singly or in combination,are seen to disclose the specific arrangements of concepts disclosed bythe present invention.

SUMMARY

[0011] In accordance with the present invention, a unitary tie-down railthat mounts inside the pickup box, accepts removable cargo pads andguards, does not interfere with the use, mounting, or dismounting of atruck topper or cap and is expandable.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

[0012] Accordingly, several objects and advantages of my invention are:

[0013] (a) to provide tie-down points that are readily available withoutrequiring the repositioning of a movable car or anchor;

[0014] (b) to provide a tie-down rail that can be used in conjunctionwith a truck topper or cap and does not interfere with the mounting ordismounting of a truck topper or cap;

[0015] (c) to provide a tie-down rail that is resistant to impact damageand that protects the pickup box from damage that can result fromshifting loads;

[0016] (d) to provide a tie-down rail that supplies anchor points alongthe entire length of the truck box.

[0017] Other objects and advantages are:

[0018] (e) to provide a tie-down rail that mates with cargo pads andguards that provide additional protection to fragile and delicatecargos;

[0019] (f) to provide an expandable tie-down rail that can fit a largevariety of pickup trucks, delivery trucks and trailers.

[0020] Still further objects and advantages will become apparent from aconsideration of the ensuing description and accompanying drawings.

DRAWING FIGURES

[0021]FIG. 1 is a partial view of a pickup truck with cargo tie-downrails mounted on each box side. A box is strapped onto one of the cargotie-down rails.

[0022]FIG. 2 is an overhead view of a cargo tie-down rail mounted on theinside of a pickup box, shown partially.

[0023]FIG. 3 is an underneath view of a cargo tie-down rail mounted onthe inside of a pickup box, shown partially.

[0024]FIG. 4 is an inboard side view of a cargo tie-down rail mounted onthe inside of a pickup box, shown partially.

[0025] FIGS. 5 to 7 are enlarged, partial overhead views of the cargotie-down rails shown in FIGS. 2 to 4.

[0026]FIG. 8 is an enlarged, fragmentary, sectional side view along theline 8-8 of FIG. 4 showing how a hook, illustrated in phantom, attachesto the cargo tie-down rail.

[0027]FIG. 9 is a rear view of a conventional pickup truck that isequipped with both cargo tie-down rails and a truck topper box cap.

[0028]FIG. 10 is an overhead view of a cargo tie-down rail mounted onthe inside of a pickup box, shown partially, with a cargo guard mountedon the cargo tie-down rail.

[0029]FIG. 11 is an underneath view of a cargo tie-down rail mounted onthe inside of a pickup box, shown partially, with a cargo guard mountedon the cargo tie-down rail.

[0030]FIG. 12 is an inboard side view of a cargo tie-down rail mountedon the inside of a pickup box, shown partially, with a cargo guardmounted on the cargo tie-down rail.

[0031] FIGS. 13 to 15 are enlarged, partial views of FIGS. 10 to 12.

[0032]FIG. 16 is an enlarged, fragmentary, sectional side view takenalong the line 16-16 of FIG. 12.

[0033]FIG. 17 is an overhead view of a cargo tie-down rail mounted onthe inside of a pickup box, shown partially, with a cargo pad mounted onthe cargo tie-down rail.

[0034]FIG. 18 is an underneath view of a cargo tie-down rail mounted onthe inside of a pickup box, shown partially, with a cargo pad mounted onthe cargo tie-down rail.

[0035]FIG. 19 is an inboard side view of a cargo tie-down rail mountedon the inside of a pickup box, shown partially, with a cargo pad mountedon the cargo tie-down rail.

[0036] FIGS. 20 to 22 are enlarged, partial views of FIGS. 17 to 19.

[0037]FIG. 23 is an enlarged, fragmentary, sectional side view takenalong the line 23-23 of FIG. 18.

[0038]FIG. 24 is an enlarged, fragmentary, sectional side view takenalong the line 24-24 of FIG. 25 and discloses a cargo tie-down rail witha hollow rub rail.

[0039]FIG. 25 is an enlarged, partial overhead view of a cargo tie-downrail with a hollow rub rail.

[0040]FIG. 26 is an enlarged, partial overhead view of a cargo tie-downrail with a hollow rub rail with a roll pin or similar attachment deviceinserted into the hollow rub rail.

[0041]FIG. 27 is an enlarged, partial overhead view of two cargotie-down rails with hollow rub rails that are lined up for attachment.

[0042]FIG. 28 is an enlarged, partial overhead view of two cargotie-down rails with hollow rub rails joined together through the use ofa roll pin or attachment device (disclosed in phantom).

REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWING

[0043]30 conventional pickup truck

[0044]31 cab

[0045]32 truck bed

[0046]33 storage Space

[0047]34 box side

[0048]35 box side

[0049]36 box top

[0050]37 cargo tie-down rail

[0051]38 cargo tie-down rail

[0052]39 rub rail

[0053]40 fastener holes

[0054]41 mounting holes

[0055]42 mounting bolts

[0056]43 mounting nuts

[0057]44 unitary rail

[0058]45 flange

[0059]46 tie-down strap

[0060]47 hook

[0061]48 truck topper or cap

[0062]49 cargo guard

[0063]50 cargo pad

[0064]51 cargo

DESCRIPTION

[0065] FIGS. 1-23—Preferred Embodiment

[0066]FIG. 1 shows a conventional pickup truck 30. It includes a cab 31and a truck bed 32. The bed 32 includes storage space 33 confined by thecab 31 and a pair of opposed box sides 34 and 35. Each box side has aflat box top 36.

[0067] Mounted on the right box side 34 is a cargo tie-down rail 37(FIGS. 1,3 and 4). Mounted on the left box side 35 is a cargo tie-downrail 38 (FIGS. 1 and 2). Both cargo tie-down rails 37 and 38 are made inaccordance with this invention. Cargo tie-down rails 37 and 38 areidentical in all respects and can be interchanged by swapping them endfor end. This invention also includes variations in the cut and shape ofthe cargo tie-down rails 37 and 38 such that the two rails would not beidentical and interchangeable.

[0068] The cargo tie-down rail 37 consists of a unitary rail 44 (FIGS. 1to 3, 5, 6, and 8) made of a solid, one-piece material such as aluminum,steel, fiberglass or plastic; a rounded rub-rail 39 (FIGS. 1 to 8) thatcan be circular, elliptical, half-moon or other rounded shape; a flange45 (FIGS. 3, 4, and 6 to 8) that projects at approximately a ninetydegree angle from the rail 44 and that fits approximately flush with thebox side 34. Round fastener holes 40 span the length of the cargotie-down rail 37 at two inch intervals, although any combination ofshape, number and spacing of fastener holes can be used. Cargo tie-downrails 37 can be produced in any length. Mounting holes 41 (FIGS. 4 and7) are distributed along the flange 45. Mounting bolts 42 and mountingnuts 43 or other attachment devices such as screws, rivets or clips areinserted through the mounting holes 41 into the box side 34 for mountingthe cargo tie-down rail 37 to the box side 34.

[0069] The round rub-rail 39 is designed to mate with a cargo guard 49(FIGS. 10 to 16) and a cargo pad 50 (FIGS. 17 to 23). Cargo guards 49are protective devices made from a relatively hard material such asplastic or hard rubber. They protect both the cargo tie-down rail 37 andthe cargo 51 (FIG. 1) from scratching, marring or other damage. Cargopads 50 are protective devices made from a relatively soft material suchas foam or soft rubber. They provide extra protection for fragilecargos. Both cargo guards 49 and cargo pads 50 have longitudinal slitsthat allow them to snap over the rub-rail 39 in such a manner that theyremain secured to the cargo tie-down rail through friction even at highrates of speed. Cargo guards 49 and cargo pads 50 are removable and canbe mounted to and removed from the cargo tie-down rail 37 as needed orthey may be permanently attached through the use of glue, clamps orstraps. Cargo guards 49 and cargo pads 50 can be used and applied inshort sections at a specific location on the cargo tie down rail 37 orthey may extend the entire length of the cargo tie-down rail 37.

[0070] Cargo tie-down rails 37, in their preferred usage, mount on theinside of the box side 34 so that the rail 44 is approximately flushwith the box top 36 (FIGS. 1, 8 and 9). Cargo tie-down rails 37 do notinterfere with the use of a truck topper or truck cap 48.

[0071] FIGS. 24-28—Additional Embodiment

[0072] An additional embodiment is shown in FIGS. 24 through 28; in thisembodiment the rounded rub rail 39 contains a hollow space 52 thataccepts a roll pin 53, solid pin, threaded stud or other attachmentdevice (FIG. 26). Two or more cargo tie-down rails 37 may be connectedby pressing the cargo tie-down rails 37 together so that the roll pin 53passes into the hollow space 52 of each cargo tie-down rail 37 (FIGS. 27and 28).

[0073] Advantages

[0074] From the description above, a number of advantages of my cargotie-down rail become evident:

[0075] (a) the spacing of the fastener holes provide tie-down pointsthat are readily available without requiring repositioning of a movablecar;

[0076] (b) the cargo tie-down rail mounts inside the pickup box andtherefore can be used in conjunction with a truck topper or cap;

[0077] (c) the round rub rail and unitary construction of the cargotie-down rail make it resistant to impact damage that could result fromshifting loads;

[0078] (d) the number and spacing of fastener holes provide anchorpoints along the entire length of the pickup box;

[0079] (e) the cargo tie-down rail mates with cargo pads and guards thatprovide extra protection to fragile and delicate cargoes;

[0080] (f) the cargo tie-down rail is expandable, and multiple cargotie-down rails can be combined together to form cargo tie-down rails ofvarying lengths which may be used for a large variety of pickup trucks,delivery trucks and trailers.

[0081] Operation—FIGS. 1, 8-23

[0082] When a load is placed in a truck it is secured to the cargotie-down rail 37 through the use of a tie-down device such as a strap,hook, stretch cord, rope, twine, chain, cable, bolts or other means ofattachment. The cargo tie-down rail 37 may also accept attachmentsbolted, pegged, pinned, clipped or otherwise secured through thefastener holes 40 or clamped to the rub-rail 39. FIG. 1 discloses atie-down strap 46 attached to cargo tie-down rail 37 securing a cargo51. A hook 47 attaches through a fastener hole 40 and secures snuglyaround the round rub rail 39. FIG. 8 shows in more detail how the hook47 wraps around the rub-rail 39. The cargo 51 is then snugged downagainst the rub-rail 39 which may or may not have a cargo guard 49 orcargo pad 50 affixed to it. The rub-rail 39, cargo guard 49 or cargo pad50 provide protection both for the cargo 51 and for the box side 34.

[0083] FIGS. 10 to 16 show a cargo tie-down rail 37 with an affixedcargo guard 49. FIGS. 17 to 23 show a cargo tie-down rail 37 with anaffixed cargo pad.

[0084] A cargo tie-down rail 37 is not limited to use on the box side 34of a pickup truck, but can also be used on the entire perimeter of thepickup box (FIG. 1) as well as on large delivery trucks, trailers,walls, floors or any other flat surface of a cargo transportationvehicle where multiple tie-down points are required.

[0085]FIG. 9 shows cargo tie-down rails 37 and 38 mounted on a truckwith a truck topper or box cap 48. Because cargo tie-down rails mountinside the box side 34 they can be used in conjunction with a topper 48without interfering with the utility of either the cargo tie-down rails37 and 38 or the topper 48.

[0086] Conclusion, Ramifications and Scope

[0087] Accordingly, the reader will see that the cargo tie-down rail ofthis invention provides tie-down points without requiring therepositioning of a movable car or tie-down anchor; can be used inconjunction with a truck topper or cap and does not require removal toallow for the mounting or dismounting of said topper or cap; isresistant to, and protects the pickup box from, impact damage that canresult from shifting loads; provides tie-down points along the entirelength of the truck box; mates with cargo guards and pads that provideadditional protection to fragile and delicate cargos; the cargo tie-downrail is also expandable to fit pickup boxes of varying lengths, as wellas larger transportation vehicles such as delivery trucks and trailers.

[0088] While the above description contains many specificities, theseshould not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention,but rather as an exemplification of one preferred embodiment thereof.Many other variations are possible. For example, the unitary rail can beconstructed from plastic, fiberglass or any of a variety of metals. Theends of the cargo tie-down rail can be cut to any angle. The cargotie-down rail can also be anodized in a variety of colors.

[0089] Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined notby the embodiments illustrated, but by the appended claims and theirlegal equivalents.

I claim:
 1. A tie-down rail for a pickup or the like, where said pickuphas a cargo compartment comprising a pair of sidewalls, said sidewallshaving an elongated top ledge, and said elongated top ledge having aninside lip which extends downward from its inside edge, said tie-downrail comprising: (a) a roughly L shaped elongated unitary member havinga coextensive horizontal flange and a coextensive vertical flange; (b)said vertical flange having an approximately flat inside face adapted tofit substantially flush against and along the inside lip of the pickupbox; (c) fastener means of connecting said vertical flange to thecorresponding inside lip of the pickup box; (d) said horizontal flangecontaining a plurality of holes which are available for the attachmentof hooks and tie-down lines; (e) an elongated rounded rub rail adjacentto and communicating with said horizontal flange of said elongatedunitary member;
 2. The tie-down rail of claim 1 wherein said tie-downrail is extruded from aluminum.
 3. The tie-down rail of claim 1 whereinsaid elongated rounded rub rail is hollow.
 4. The tie-down rail of claim3 wherein multiple said tie-down rails may be connected together throughuse of fastener means.